Kandaghat

Far from the madding crowd, a quaint little weekend getaway, Kandaghat is a small town on NH 22. A serene, tranquil place nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, the lush green valley abounds with bountiful scenic nature. The clear blue sky dotted with floating wispy clouds, the spectacular sunrise and sunset when the maker spreads His palette, mesmerise the visitors.

Kandaghat is situated on the Chandigarh-Shimla Highway. It is an hour drive from Shimla Airport, Jubbarhatti. A journey on the heritage Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge across arch gallery bridges and tunnels is a lifetime experience as the toy train chugs through the Shivalik Hills, offering panoramic views through the vista dome coaches. We prefer a road trip. The road bifurcates to Chail from here. The Himalayan Expressway has eased traffic snarls. The serpentine road and sharp bends cause lurches in your stomach. The pleasure of the journey is in stopping many a time to enjoy scenic beauty, a brook babbling by, to munch fresh roasted corn cob or devour Maggie or the fresh farm fruits/vegetables.

When the rigmarole of life weighs you down, or you need a break from the monotony to rejuvenate, this is an ideal destination. A respite from the heat and sweat of the plains, neither a stereotype popular holiday retreat nor a garish, hyped urban city, you can check into a resort or a homestay.

As we checked into our destination resort in the evening, the place was abuzz with chirping birds nesting around. Birds are hardly visible in cities, let alone hearing them chirp. We were enjoying the birdie symphony when our host requested us to move a little downhill to an open area to witness one of the most spectacular sunsets. The majestic yellow sun dipped slowly behind the hill, and a spray of orange, red, and pink spread across the sky. We were left speechless as the light dimmed and darkness wrapped around us. Mother Nature donned a star-fangled mantle, and numerous lights blinked across the hillock. You can soak in peace, calmness in the serene environment and fill your lungs with fresh breeze.

The dawn ushered in another celestial spectacle. The stars faded and the sun rose in all its glory. Smoke rising from huts transported us back to the ancient era. Wispy clouds drifted by. Rain had spread greenery all around. The weary form unwinds as one meanders on the winding track through the forest in communion with nature. Just wander around and let time pass.

You can revise colonial history and marvel at architecture by visiting Chail View Palace of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, or pay obeisance at the local temples, or trek to Karol Tibba and explore the ancient Mahabharata caves. Joining in-house activities like Yoga sessions or grooving to Himachali Nati is an entertaining option too.

Fresh air and physical activity whet the appetite. You can savour the Himachali Dhaam and delicious fruits from local orchards. The Himachali cuisine is simple yet flavourful.

Minimal travel time, pleasant driving experience, delectable food, awesome weather, and friendly hill folks make Kandaghat my favourite short trip destination. The literature classroom lecture on Wordsworth’s doctrine can be reiterated: Nature possesses a divine spirit, is healing, and a presence to be felt.

Suruchi Kalra Choudhary